Senior Speech and Language Therapist

Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK-based NHS Mental Health Trust is seeking a Speech and Language Therapist to assess and treat individuals with speech, language, and communication needs in a prison setting. The role involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and improving workforce knowledge around SLC needs. Qualifications include a degree in Speech and Language Therapy and relevant experience in mental health. This role offers CPD opportunities and visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.

Qualifications

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy is required.
• Professional credentials in communication needs are essential.
• Experience in mental health or learning disability settings with complex needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide assessment and intervention for individuals with SLCN and swallowing difficulties.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team and key agencies.
• Improve workforce understanding of SLC needs.

Skills

Assessment and intervention skills

Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams

Therapeutic delivery

Education

Degree in Speech and Language Therapy

Job description

Overview

The SLT will be responsible for providing assessment and intervention with individuals with speech, language and communication needs/ swallowing, as an integral part of the Prison Mental Health team. The role is based at HMP Holme House, a Category B men's prison for remand and sentenced prisoners, and is part of a dynamic Health and Justice SLT service in TEWV with well‑defined peer support, supervision systems, and CPD opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive assessment and intervention for individuals with speech and language communication needs (SLCN) and swallowing difficulties within the prison setting.
• Deliver relevant and meaningful therapy input where appropriate.
• Collaborate with a multi‑disciplinary team and key agencies including mental health staff, prison officers, Alcohol and Drug Recovery agencies, education and employment services, and probation.
• Raise awareness and improve workforce knowledge and skills in SLC needs.
• Provide high‑quality advice to key agencies and prison teams.
• Operate within a robust clinical operating framework.

Qualifications

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy.
• Good professional practise credentials in speech, language and communication needs.
• Experience working in mental health or learning disability settings with complex needs.

Experience

• Significant experience in Speech and Language Therapy, including experience working with service users in mental health or learning disabilities with complex needs.
• Experience in a prison or similar high‑security environment is an advantage.

Additional Information

We offer sponsorship for a Health and Care Worker or Skilled Worker visa, subject to candidate and position eligibility. For guidance on the Health and Care Worker visa and the Skilled Worker visa please refer to the UK government websites listed in the original description.

The Trust is committed to a no‑smoking policy and a smoke‑free environment for staff, service users, and visitors.

The post will be subject to Prison vetting.

About the Trust

The Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is a Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust covering County Durham, Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby. It provides education, prevention, crisis and specialist care, working in partnership with patients, communities and partners. It aims to keep people safe, understood, believed in and cared for, and to improve wellbeing across the region.